PMS Symptoms but no Period? Understanding the Causes
PMS symptoms but no period? You are not alone.
It is a common occurrence that can leave you frustrated and confused.
A study published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that up to 50% of women suffer from PMS symptoms even though they do not have their period.
Although there are several causes of experiencing PMS symptoms without getting periods, you can improve your overall health with some effective treatment.
But before that, you need to know about various factors that may be causing these symptoms that affect your quality of life.
Read the article to learn more about this common but often overlooked aspect of women’s health.
What are PMS symptoms
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a collection of symptoms experienced by women a week or two before their periods.
PMS symptoms are pretty common, affecting around 90% of women.
These symptoms can vary from physical to psychological changes.
Common emotional and behavioral symptoms experienced by women include,
- Poor concentration
- Mood swings and irritability
- Appetite changes and food cravings
- Trouble sleeping
- Social withdrawal
- Depressed mood
- Crying spells
Some physical signs are
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Joint/muscle pain
- Weight gain
- Acne flare-ups
- Abdominal bloating
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Breast tenderness
- Alcohol intolerance
For some women, the physical pain and emotional stress can be severe enough to affect their daily lives.
The severity of the symptoms can vary for each individual.
Further in this article, we will discuss the probable causes of PMS symptoms without getting your period.
Pregnancy
If you feel like your period is coming, but it doesn’t? It could be pregnancy.
This is because PMS symptoms are almost identical to early pregnancy signs.
Symptoms you experience during and before periods, such as breast tenderness, fatigue, mood swings, and cramping, are also early signs of pregnancy.
If you don’t get your period and the symptoms still persist, you can take a pregnancy test.
Hormonal birth control
Hormonal birth control pills are prescribed to prevent pregnancy.
The pills can also affect your menstrual cycle and cause nausea, tummy cramps, headache, and breast tenderness.
Several types of hormonal birth control that can cause symptoms similar to PMS are:
- Oral contraceptives
- Hormonal intrauterine devices
- Progestin-only pills
- Patches
- Vaginal contraceptive rings
- Birth control shots
If hormonal birth control symptoms are severe and are interfering with your daily life, consult your doctor.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a medical disorder in which the uterine tissues develop outside the uterus.
The condition can cause pelvic pain and may contribute to infertility.
Although Endometriosis symptoms can vary from person to person, some can be mistaken for PMS, including headaches, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Frequently missed periods can be a sign of Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS).
It is a medical condition in which a patient has an excess amount of male hormone, Androgens.
PCOS has several symptoms in common with PMS, including weight gain, acne, and stomach pain.
Thyroid conditions
The thyroid gland in your neck regulates several bodily functions, including metabolism and the menstrual cycle.
It produces hormones to maintain these functions.
If levels of these hormones change, your menstrual cycles can get affected too.
You may experience period-like cramps without having them.
The thyroid also regulates brain function.
Thus, mood swings which are part of your PMS symptoms, can, in fact, be related to hormone changes.
Some thyroid-related medical conditions, like Hypothyroidism, or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, are typically characterized by hair loss, fatigue, and weight gain, which are again common PMS symptoms.
Stress
Stress can be a surprising factor in causing period-like pain.
It increases the levels of the stress hormone, Cortisol.
Changes in Cortisol levels also affect hormonal balance, including the hormones that regulate the function of ovaries and uterine lining.
It can cause irregular menstruation symptoms, like body pain, diarrhea, fatigue, mood swings, and change in your appetite.
Other responsible factors
Some other potential reasons for your PMS symptoms with no period are:
- Exercising too much
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Anovulation
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
However, these symptoms should go away in a few days. If they don’t, speak with your healthcare provider to start a proper treatment plan.
Takeaway
Premenstrual Syndrome is a fairly common condition that affects many women in the days leading up to their menstrual cycle.
It refers to a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms that can significantly impair a woman’s daily functioning.
However, in some cases, women experience these symptoms without getting their period.
Several factors, like pregnancy, extensive exercise, or stress, can cause these symptoms.
Some medical conditions, like Thyroid disorders, Anovulation, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, or Polycystic Ovary syndrome, can also cause severe menstrual cramps but no period.
If these symptoms get severe or do not go away, speak with your doctor to determine the underlying cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have severe PMS symptoms without a period?
Yes. Several factors, such as pregnancy, stress, and PCOS, are responsible for PMS symptoms without having any period. These conditions can affect hormonal balance leading to stomach pain, fatigue, nausea, mood swings, and loss of focus. The severity of these symptoms can vary for each individual.
Why am I getting period pains but no period?
If you are suffering from period pain but do not get your period, it may be the cause of other conditions like pregnancy and stress. Moreover, medical conditions like thyroid disorders, PCOS, and Endometriosis can cause pain due to hormonal imbalances and inflammation.
Why do I have lower cramps but no period?
You can have lower abdominal cramps due to a variety of reasons, such as pregnancy, anovulation, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal issues, or stress. If these cramps persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, consulting with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause is essential.
How can I relieve PMS symptoms without a period?
Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management, can help with PMS pain. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen to help with your cramps. If your pain is from any underlying medical conditions, starting treatment can help alleviate the symptoms.
When should I see a healthcare provider about PMS symptoms without a period?
If your PMS symptoms are severe or persistent without a period, it is important to consult with your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions or develop an appropriate treatment plan for the responsible factors.
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